Could the Justice Department apply parts of the Patriot Act somehow to squeeze information out suspects?
For instance, could they simply lock up Robert Novack and hold him incommunicado till he reveals his source? As I heard it, the leaker contacted at least 5 journalists in an attempt to leak the story. Presumably these 5, at least, have the identity of the leaker. How about locking them all up, but especiall Novak? did afterall serve as a conduit of classified information to a potential enemy, or at least you could argue that with a straight face before a judge.
I hear all kinds of vague things about how this Act has reduced our privacy and civil rights, and I’m curious as to whether this there are any prohibition as to it’s use against the press.